Qatar SC may be having a rollercoaster ride after getting promoted to the QNB Stars League this season, but Bruno Gallo has been pulling the strings in their midfield consistently well.

The Kings have had the ignominy of occupying the bottom position in the standings for many weeks and had to replace Argentinian coach Gabriel Calderon with Qatari Abdullah Mubarak towards the end of first phase.

Since then, there was a remarkable improvement in their performance and they are now placed ninth with 12 points.

They changed three foreign players before the start of second phase and only Bruno stayed. In an exclusive interviewwithQSL Online ahead of their key clash against Al Sadd in Week 15 of the QNB Stars League on Saturday, 3rd February, the 29-year-old reflected on various topics. The following are the excerpts.

How do you analyse Qatar SC’s league campaign so far?

For sure, we’ve had our ups and downs. After earning promotion to the QNB Stars League, it took time for us to settle down. There were many new players in the squad and, now, we’ve somewhat found our rhythm.

How had been your initial experience in Qatar?

It was a new challenge for me after coming from an altogether different league. Then, the climatic conditions. Personally, it took me four or five games to settle into my stride. I was received well and atmosphere in the team camp has been very friendly.

What difference did you find in Calderon and Abdullah?

Calderon had great experience, both as a player and coach. He worked a lot with the players in training, but results didn’t go our way as he desired. As far as Abdullah is concerned, he knows the players and, more importantly, the QNB Stars League and local conditions. He does his home work well. I feel that’s making a big difference.

What’re your targets with Qatar SC?

I want to give my 100 per cent in all matches. I’ve scored two goals in the league and as many in the QSL Cup. I’m also keen to assist my team-mates to score more goals. We’re the side that has scored the least number of goals (14), after Al Markhiya (nine).

Where do you see Qatar SC when the season ends?

The team has improved after the initial hiccups. We’re now a fighting unit. All players are working hard and our aim is not to lose many points. New recruits Patrick Fabiano (Brazilian), Sajad Mujtaba (Iranian) and Osama Omari (Syrian) are gelling well, and we can ideally finish in the sixth position.

How about your forthcoming game against Al Sadd?

It’s a big game. The kind of games all players would be longing for to play. We’re fully focused on this match and we can provide a great game. We badly need some points at this stage and we’ll fight to at least get a point.

What makes it a special match for you?

I’m looking forward to once again playing against Xavi (Hernandez). It’ll be a special moment especially since we both play in the same position. He’s one of the best players in the world and a midfield maestro. But once the game starts, it’ll be 11 vs 11. We’ll try to do our best.

What’s your message to Qatar SC fans?

I want them to believe in us. We need their support. We’re working hard as a team and the fans will get their rewards at the end of the season.

Finally, who’s your role model in football?

Undoubtedly, it’s my countryman Ronaldo, who has won the FIFA World cup twice. The best quality I’ve seen in him is the ability to push himself even when the chips were down. He overcame many challenges by way of personal struggles and injuries en route to his rise to the top.